Motława Embankment
Gdańsk's vibrant heart, the Motława Embankment blends historic charm with lively waterfront dining and scenic river views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds
Motława Embankment
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gdańsk's vibrant heart, the Motława Embankment blends historic charm with lively waterfront dining and scenic river views.
"A must-visit for its iconic Crane, delicious food, and lively atmosphere, the Motława Embankment truly captures Gdańsk's spirit."
🚢 Book boat tours early
Popular cruises like pirate ship tours and ferries to Westerplatte fill up fast, especially in peak season. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring along the embankment and potentially in museums. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw)
Motława River Embankment
A 14th-century marvel, this historic crane was once a city gate and a vital port loading machine.

Riverside Dining & Atmosphere
Motława River Embankment
Savor delicious Polish cuisine and international flavors with stunning views of the river and historic ships.

Maritime Museums & Historic Ships
Adjacent to the Embankment
Discover Gdańsk's seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum and aboard the historic Soldek ship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Explore Beyond the Embankment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book boat tours early
Popular cruises like pirate ship tours and ferries to Westerplatte fill up fast, especially in peak season. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring along the embankment and potentially in museums. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Crane at sunset
The historic Gdańsk Crane is particularly photogenic as the sun sets over the Motława River. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Try local Polish specialties
Many restaurants offer authentic pierogi, żurek, and other traditional dishes. :knifeforkplate:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book boat tours early
Popular cruises like pirate ship tours and ferries to Westerplatte fill up fast, especially in peak season. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of exploring along the embankment and potentially in museums. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Crane at sunset
The historic Gdańsk Crane is particularly photogenic as the sun sets over the Motława River. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Try local Polish specialties
Many restaurants offer authentic pierogi, żurek, and other traditional dishes. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Motława Embankment for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning waterfront views, and the iconic Gdańsk Crane. The abundance of restaurants offering delicious Polish cuisine and the variety of boat tours are major highlights. Some find the area can get crowded, especially in the evenings, and parking can be a challenge.
"This Motlawa silent River is surrounded with a lot of restaurants and tourist attractions. Can walk through the streets and explore the taste from all different parts of the world Mainly Polish restaurants and polish foods are highly recommended. Apart from this one can book private yachts, cruise ships trips, kayaks etc., and explore the gadansk city view in a different shade."
Sridhar Thamilarasu
"This part of Gdańska has undergone an amazing change over the last years. It is worth checking out and spending some time there in local restaurants. It is a place where modern architecture mingles with the old."
Łukasz
"Motlawa river is the main attraction and must visit place of Gdansk. Its right at the center of the city that we wouldn't miss it anyway. There are quite few museums like National maritime and Soldek ship museums right here. Giant wheel, kids play area are all here. Lots of shops, restaurants are here and its one place in Gdansk which would be lively even during late hours.
Pirate ship cruise starts from here and Zegluga ferry to Westerplatte, Sopot and Hel also is here near to Green gate entrance. We can just watch the river, cruise activities and spend our time here easily without getting bored."
Karthik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Motława Embankment is centrally located in Gdańsk's Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from most city center hotels. Public transport options include trams and buses that stop nearby. If arriving by car, be aware that parking in the Old Town can be challenging and expensive. Many visitors find walking the most convenient way to reach the embankment.
Yes, several tram and bus lines stop within a short walking distance of the Motława Embankment. Look for stops near the Green Gate or the Old Town Hall.
From Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), you can take a train or a bus to the city center, and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the embankment. The train is often the most efficient option.
Parking directly on the embankment is very limited. There are several paid parking lots and garages in the vicinity of the Old Town, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly.
The embankment is largely pedestrian-friendly, with wide promenades. However, some areas might be under reconstruction, so always be mindful of temporary diversions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Motława Embankment itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can stroll along it freely.
Yes, the Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw) is part of the National Maritime Museum and requires a ticket for entry to explore its interior and exhibitions.
Ticket prices for the National Maritime Museum, which includes the Gdańsk Crane and the Soldek ship, vary. It's best to check the official museum website for current pricing and opening hours.
It is highly recommended to book popular boat tours, such as the pirate ship cruises or ferries to Westerplatte, in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Opening hours for museums and attractions can vary seasonally. Always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the iconic Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw), the National Maritime Museum, the historic Soldek ship, numerous restaurants and cafes, and various boat tour departures. You can also enjoy views of the modern architecture mingling with the old.
You can find a variety of boat trips, including scenic cruises along the river, pirate ship adventures, ferries to Westerplatte, and longer excursions to Sopot and Hel.
Yes, there's often a giant wheel and a kids' play area, making it a family-friendly destination. The pirate ship cruises are also a hit with younger visitors.
Absolutely! The embankment is known for being lively even during late hours, with many restaurants and bars offering a vibrant atmosphere.
A leisurely walk along the promenade is the best way to soak in the atmosphere. Consider a boat trip for a different perspective of the city.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area is packed with restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, with a strong emphasis on delicious Polish food. You'll find everything from traditional pierogi and seafood to international dishes.
Yes, Polish restaurants are highly recommended here. Many offer authentic dishes that are a must-try for visitors wanting to experience local flavors.
Don't miss trying pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter's stew), and fresh seafood if available.
While many restaurants cater to tourists, you can find more affordable options by exploring side streets or looking for milk bars (bar mleczny) slightly away from the immediate waterfront.
Most restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan choices. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask your server.
📸 📸 Photography
The Gdańsk Crane, the historic ships docked along the river, the picturesque waterfront buildings, and the views across the river towards the Ołowianka island are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the embankment's charm. Evenings are also great for capturing the illuminated cityscape.
Consider capturing the contrast between the historic Gdańsk Crane and the modern architecture, or the reflections of the buildings in the Motława River.
Yes, boat tours offer unique perspectives of the embankment and the city skyline, making them excellent for photography.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive waterfront views, while a telephoto lens can be good for details on ships or distant buildings. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the immediate fun, the historic Gdańsk Crane and the Soldek ship offer educational opportunities to learn about maritime history in an interactive way. Many restaurants along the embankment are family-friendly, and the wide promenades are perfect for strollers. Remember to book popular boat tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable dining, look for 'bar mleczny' (milk bars) a short walk away from the main waterfront for traditional, inexpensive Polish meals. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy by the river. While boat tours can be an expense, choosing a shorter ferry ride or a less elaborate cruise can offer great value.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles: capture the reflections of the buildings in the water, frame the Crane against the sky, or focus on the intricate details of the ships. Evening is also a magical time, with the embankment and its landmarks beautifully illuminated, creating stunning night shots. Don't forget to explore the views from across the river on Ołowianka island for a different perspective of the Old Town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw)
Today, the Crane is maintained by the National Maritime Museum and offers visitors a chance to step inside and see the original wooden wheels. An exhibition within the Crane details the work and daily life of port workers from the 16th to 18th centuries, providing a vivid historical context. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Gdańsk's Hanseatic League past and its significance as a trading hub.
Pro-tip: Visiting the Crane offers not only historical insight but also excellent vantage points for photographing the river and the surrounding Old Town. The interior, with its exposed wooden mechanisms, is particularly atmospheric.
Exploring the Motława River by Boat
Popular choices include pirate ship cruises, which are especially entertaining for families, and ferries that connect to significant historical sites like Westerplatte. For those looking to explore further afield, longer excursions are available to the seaside resort of Sopot and the charming peninsula of Hel. These trips allow you to see Gdańsk from the water, appreciating the blend of old and new architecture along its banks.
Traveler Tip: Booking your boat tour in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the busy summer months, to ensure you get your preferred time slot. Consider a sunset cruise for a truly magical experience as the city lights begin to twinkle.
Dining Delights on the Waterfront
Visitors rave about the opportunity to sample authentic Polish food, with specialties like pierogi (dumplings), żurek (sour rye soup), and fresh seafood being highly recommended. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and offering a warm, welcoming dining experience. Exploring the side streets branching off the main embankment can sometimes reveal hidden gems with more local flair and potentially better value.
Budget-conscious travelers might find that prices on the immediate waterfront are higher. For more affordable yet still delicious options, consider venturing a few blocks inland or seeking out a traditional 'bar mleczny' (milk bar) for a taste of authentic, no-frills Polish cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit